4-H members recall lessons gained from showing livestock

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BROOKINGS — 4-H has been a huge part of Talli Heim’s life ever since she showed her first market steer.
She is a 4-H member in Jerauld-Buffalo county and is the daughter of Chris and Meggin Heim. She is currently a sophomore at South Dakota State University studying Agricultural Communications with a minor in Agricultural Business.
Heim has been involved in a variety of 4-H project areas over the years, including showing and evaluating livestock. She was a member of her county’s livestock judging team and attended judging contests at the local and state levels.
“As much as I enjoyed judging, my true passion was in the daily care of my livestock and being able to compete in the show ring,” said Heim.

One unique opportunity that Heim has been involved with for the past two years is the iLead: A Voice for Agriculture program in Mitchell.
“This program gives kids with disabilities the chance to work with livestock and compete in the ring just like 4-H members do,” states Heim.
The iLead program was an eye-opening experience for Heim, as she recognized her tendencies to take everyday activities for granted.
For her high school senior project, Heim coordinated a beef fitting, clipping and showmanship clinic and recruited individuals who mentored her throughout her 4-H career to assist with the event. She recalls that the project was a huge success. All donations received from the clinic supported the iLead program.
“The people I have met, the lessons I have learned, and the opportunities I have been given, I can proudly say are due to 4-H,” said Heim. “Because of 4-H, showing livestock has become a huge part of my life. This industry has taken me down many different paths throughout the years, but I really do believe each battle I faced has made me the person I am today.”

 I only hope that every junior can have the same experience I was given.”